MS in Computer Science
A master's in Computer Science deepens your foundation in algorithms, systems and software, with electives in AI, machine learning, cloud and security. In the US it is usually STEM-designated.
🇺🇸 Richmond, USA · Public
Virginia Commonwealth University Fees for Indian Students
VCU (Richmond) is known for urban research university in Richmond. Below: tuition, living costs in Richmond & Norfolk, the total in rupees and loan options.
- Total ≈ ₹87 lakh – ₹1.02 crore
- Tuition $25,000 – $32,000 a year
- Intakes: Fall (Aug/Sep)
- Typical loan ₹61 lakh – ₹92 lakh
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Quick answer
How much does VCU cost for Indian students?
A 2-year MS at Virginia Commonwealth University costs about ₹87 lakh – ₹1.02 crore in total for an Indian student: tuition of $25,000 – $32,000 a year, living costs of about $20,000 a year and one-time visa and travel costs of ₹2.5 lakh – ₹4 lakh. Most families borrow ₹61 lakh – ₹92 lakh and cover the rest from savings or scholarships.
Ask on WhatsAppUpdated · Reviewed by the Visa Edu Loans admissions & finance desk
Official sources: Virginia Commonwealth University — official website · travel.state.gov — Student visa
VCU at a glance
- Location
- Richmond, VA, USA
- Type
- Public university
- Known for
- Urban research university in Richmond
- Tuition (international)
- $25,000 – $32,000 a year
- Living costs used
- $20,000 a year
- Total for 2 years
- ₹87 lakh – ₹1.02 crore
- Intakes
- Fall (Aug/Sep), Spring (Jan), limited Summer (May)
- English tests
- IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo (as accepted by the university)
- Work during study
- Up to 20 hours/week on campus during semesters
- After graduation
- OPT 12 months + 24-month STEM OPT extension for STEM-designated degrees
- Official website
- vcu.edu
Fee breakdown
VCU cost for Indian students
2-year MS, at $1 ≈ ₹94. Tuition varies by program — use the figure on your offer letter.
Popular programs
Programs Indian students choose at VCU
MS in Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering applies engineering to medicine: medical devices, biomaterials, imaging, biomechanics and regulatory pathways, usually with lab or clinical projects. In the US it is usually STEM-designated.
MS in Business Analytics
Business Analytics sits between data science and management — you learn analytics tools and apply them to marketing, finance, operations and strategy. In the US it is often STEM-designated (check the program's CIP code) — STEM OPT gives up to 3 years.
Compare
VCU vs similar universities in the USA
The 6 closest by total cost; 1 of them costs less in total.
Living there
Living costs in Richmond & Norfolk
Virginia cities with finance, healthcare and naval employers. A room in shared housing usually costs $600 – $900 a month, and a realistic yearly budget is $18,200 – $21,800.
For the cost table we use $20,000 a year — planning figure for Richmond & Norfolk: shared housing, food, transport and insurance. During your studies you can work up to 20 hours/week on campus during semesters.
The I-20 shows the university's cost of attendance; you must document funds for at least the first year at the F-1 interview.
Funding
How Indian students fund VCU
Typical loan: ₹61 lakh – ₹92 lakh. EMIs on a ₹76 lakh loan start after the course and moratorium.
Timeline
Applying to VCU for the Fall 2027 intake
- 01
10–12 months before
Take IELTS; shortlist programs at VCU and similar universities.
- 02
8–10 months before
Write your SOP, request two or three LORs and prepare transcripts.
- 03
6–9 months before
Apply on VCU's application portal and to scholarships.
- 04
4–6 months before
Accept the offer, pay the deposit and start the education loan (₹61 lakh – ₹92 lakh).
- 05
2–4 months before
Apply for the F-1 student visa: receive the I-20 from your university.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question?
Ask a counsellor directly — we reply on WhatsApp during working hours (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST).
Tuition is $25,000 – $32,000 a year for international students. With living costs the total for a 2-year MS is about ₹87 lakh – ₹1.02 crore.
At $1 ≈ ₹94, a year's tuition is about ₹24 lakh – ₹30 lakh. Exchange rates move, so we recalculate with the live rate before you pay.
Of the 6 universities closest to it in cost, 1 cost less in total and 5 cost more. VCU's tuition is above the middle of our USA list.
Yes, within visa rules: up to 20 hours/week on campus during semesters. Part-time income helps with living costs but shouldn't be counted on for tuition.
Often, yes — private banks and NBFCs lend unsecured amounts for many universities if the co-applicant's income is steady. Larger amounts at the lowest rates usually need collateral. Most families borrow ₹61 lakh – ₹92 lakh.
Fall (Aug/Sep), Spring (Jan), limited Summer (May). Start preparing 10–12 months ahead; popular programs fill early.
Explore
Keep exploring
Programs and admission
VCU: more guides
Head to head
VCU compared
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Fees at similar universities
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